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Recurring Acne, Dark Marks, and Pits on Oily Skin
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #21904
215 days ago
430

Recurring Acne, Dark Marks, and Pits on Oily Skin

مريم

I am a teenage girl with oily skin, and I don’t use any makeup. I have a persistent problem on my face: Acne keeps appearing and disappearing, and I have many blackheads, especially on my nose and forehead. After acne heals, dark marks remain, and some areas have small pits. My pores appear enlarged. I don’t have a consistent skincare routine, and I only wash my face. I’ve tried over-the-counter creams, which give temporary improvement, but the problem keeps returning. I would like to know: Is this a type of acne? What causes the dark marks and pits? What is a safe daily skincare routine suitable for my oily skin? Can the marks and pits improve with creams, or do they need other treatments?

Age: 15
Chronic illnesses: لا يوجد
Acne
Oily skin
Enlarged pores
Dark spots
Acne scars
Blackheads
$7.5
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Doctors' responses

Hello,

Yes — this is acne vulgaris (comedonal + inflammatory acne), very common at your age.

Why this happens: Oily skin + blocked pores → blackheads & pimples After acne heals, it can leave dark marks (post-inflammatory pigmentation) Pits happen when acne damages deeper skin layers Enlarged pores are common with oily skin

Safe daily routine (simple): Morning: gentle foaming face wash → oil-free sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Night: face wash → adapalene 0.1% gel (pea-sized, 3–4 nights/week)

For spots: benzoyl peroxide 2.5% only on pimples

Important tips: Don’t squeeze pimples Avoid heavy creams or oils Be consistent (results take 6–8 weeks)

Marks & pits:

Dark marks usually fade with time + sunscreen Pits do not improve much with creams — they need dermatologist procedures later (microneedling, lasers)

See a dermatologist if acne is painful, spreading, or leaving more scars.

I trust this helps Take care Thank you !

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What you’re describing sounds like a form of acne vulgaris, common during the teenage years, driven largely by hormonal changes causing increased oil production. The blackheads you see on your nose and forehead are open comedones, clogged pores that are exposed to the air. The dark marks, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, occur when inflammation from acne triggers excess melanin production. The small pits are likely a form of acne scarring, resulting when inflammation damages collagen.

A consistent skincare routine can help manage this condition. Start with a gentle, foaming cleanser twice daily to remove excess oil and debris without over-stripping your skin. Look for products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, both effective for acne. After washing, apply an oil-free moisturizer to maintain skin hydration without clogging pores.

For marks and scars, topical treatments containing ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or hydroquinone can help fade pigmentation over time. Retinoids, available over-the-counter or by prescription, promote cell turnover, reducing both marks and preventing new acne; however, they can initially increase peeling and dryness. While creams can improve hyperpigmentation, deeper pits might respond better to dermatological procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy—consult with a dermatologist for such options.

It’s also crucial to use non-comedogenic sunscreens daily, as UV exposure can worsen dark spots. And remember: touching your face or squeezing pimples can cause new outbreaks and worsen scarring. If your acne doesn’t improve with these steps, visit a dermatologist for personalized advice and possible prescription medications.

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Yes—this is acne vulgaris (comedonal + inflammatory acne), which is very common in teenage girls with oily skin and fluctuates with hormones; blackheads come from clogged pores, and acne that heals slowly can leave dark marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and small pits (early acne scars). The marks happen due to inflammation and sun exposure, while pits form when deeper acne damages collagen—early care can prevent them from worsening. Start a simple routine: gentle foaming cleanser twice daily, salicylic acid 0.5–2% (once daily for blackheads), adapalene 0.1% at night (pea-sized, 2–3 nights/week → nightly), oil-free moisturizer, and sunscreen every morning; marks often fade with time and creams, but pits usually need procedures later, so please consult a dermatologist to tailor treatment and protect your skin long-term.

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Hello dear See you are progressing from puberty to adolescence So there changes are mostly due to hormonal alterations Iam suggesting some medication and precautions for improvement Please follow them for atleast a month Topical Treatments -Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5–5%) twice a day for week Salicylic Acid, Adapalene 0.1% can also be given as additive medications. 2.Clindamycin 1% Clindac A ,Tretinoin ( if already not taken). 3.Azelaic Acid 10 percent for two weeks. 4. Oral Medications -tablet Doxycycline 1 month twice a day for max 5 days Niacinamide serum –antiinflammatory in nature twice daily for 1 week In addition use aloevera - tulsi solution to apply topically for 1 month

In case of no improvement in 1 month, kindly consult dermatologist in person for better clarification Hopefully you recover soon Regards

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Your symptoms are consistent with acne vulgaris on oily, acne-prone skin, which is very common during the teenage years due to hormonal changes that increase oil production. The recurring pimples and blackheads occur because excess oil and dead skin block the pores. The dark marks are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which forms after acne heals, and the small pits are early acne scars caused by deeper inflammation.

This condition is not dangerous and is treatable, but it requires a regular, gentle skincare routine rather than changing products frequently. With consistent use of suitable acne-control creams and sun protection, new acne can be reduced and dark marks can gradually fade. Early pits may improve over time, but deeper scars usually need professional dermatologic procedures later. Starting proper care now will help prevent further scarring and improve overall skin appearance.

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Hello It sounds like you’re dealing with a common but frustrating skin issue. Let’s address your concerns step by step.

Type of Acne - Yes, it sounds like you have a form of acne known as acne vulgaris, which can include both inflammatory (like pimples) and non-inflammatory (like blackheads) types. The dark marks left after acne heals are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and the small pits are often referred to as acne scars.

Causes of Dark Marks and Pits - Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This occurs when the skin produces excess melanin in response to inflammation from acne. - Acne Scarring: Pits or indentations can form when the skin loses collagen during the healing process of acne.

Safe Daily Skincare Routine for Oily Skin 1. Cleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help control oil and prevent breakouts. Cleanse twice daily. 2. Toner: Apply an alcohol-free toner with ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil to help tighten pores and control oil. 3. Moisturizer: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without adding excess oil. 4. Sunscreen: Apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage and prevent dark marks from worsening. 5. Exfoliation: Exfoliate 1-2 times a week with a gentle chemical exfoliant (like AHA or BHA) to help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.

Improving Marks and Pits - Topical Treatments: Look for creams containing ingredients like: - Niacinamide: Helps reduce dark spots and improve skin texture. - Retinoids: Promote cell turnover and can help with both acne and scarring. - Vitamin C: Brightens the skin and helps with hyperpigmentation. - Professional Treatments: If the marks and pits persist, consider consulting a dermatologist for treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy, which can improve skin texture and reduce scarring.

Consistency is key in skincare, so try to stick to a routine for at least a few weeks to see improvements.

Thank you and get well soon

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